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Learn about the ACT test, scoring, preparation tips, and more to excel in the college admissions process. Find out when to take the test, compare ACT vs. SAT, and discover resources for registration and classes.
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ACT Preparation Northridge High School Counseling Department
What is the ACT? • American College Test • NOT an IQ test • College Readiness/Preparation
Maybe I should take the SAT? • Not necessary for in-state universities • Check with any out-of-state university to see if it is needed • Many universities will accept either test • Both tests can be taken • SAT must be taken at a university testing center (WSU or U of U) • www.marchtosuccess.com for test prep
ACT vs. SAT • Football vs. Basketball • SAT has a penalty for guessing • SAT has a vocabulary section • SAT requires the writing section • Unanswered questions on the ACT are automatically marked wrong - use educated guesses if needed
Scoring • Scale of 1-36 • Four separate tests: • English • Math • Reading • Science • (Optional Writing) - Westminster is the only Utah college/university that requires the writing test
When to take the ACT? • Spring of junior year • As many times as it takes • Last chance for scholarship competition: December of senior year • ALL JUNIORS WILL TAKE THE ACT AT NORTHRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL MARCH 3, 2015
What’s a good score? • Depends! • GPA + ACT/SAT= index score • Index score determines eligibility for academic scholarships and college/university admission.
ACT Registration • ACTstudent.org • ACT packets are available in Student Services • REGISTRATION FOR THE MARCH ACT WILL TAKE PLACE IN ADVISORY CLASSES IN FEBRUARY!
Test Preparation • Utahfutures.org • actstudent.org • act.org • Books and CDs • Classes • Private tutoring • 10-15 hours of preparation recommended
Available Classes: • Kaplan: $700 + • Sylvan Learning Center: $595 + • U of U: $220 + • Online – utahfutures.org: free
English Tips • 45 minutes • Five passages • 15 questions per passage • Read a paragraph at a time • Context, context, context! • Use process of elimination
Math Tips • 60 minutes • 60 questions • Pace yourself • NEVER leave an ACT answer blank • Use calculators with your brain • Use number common sense • Show your work • Check your answer
Reading Tips • 35 minutes • 4 passages • 10 questions per passage • Read quickly • Answer carefully • Pace yourself—many don’t finish • Read actively
Science Tips • Watch fatigue • 35 minutes • 7 passages • No calculators • Use process of elimination • Use testing confidence • Get answers from test
Writing Tips • Not yet required for Utah universities (except Westminster) • 30 minutes • One essay question • Teenage topic • Extra $12 test charge • Scored from 1-12